License and Taxes: Is the Casino Obligated to Pay Dues
Having a license for online casinos almost always implies the mandatory payment of taxes and regulatory fees. These payments are an integral part of the legal status of the operator and ensure the operation of the system of control, audit and protection of players.
1. Mandatory taxes for licensed casinos
In jurisdictions with a regulated market (Great Britain, Malta, Gibraltar, Sweden, Australia), the tax burden is spelled out in the legislation.
Evasion of taxes or contributions - the basis for the suspension or revocation of the license.
The amount and type of taxes depend on the format of the license, the turnover and the geography of the customers.
2. Types of taxes and fees
1. Registration fee - paid upon obtaining a license.
2. Annual License Fee - a fixed or negotiable amount required to renew a permit.
3. Gross Gaming Revenue Tax (GGR Tax) is the percentage of the difference between the bet amount and the winnings paid.
4. Turnover Tax - a percentage of all accepted rates, regardless of the result.
5. Fees for social programs - part of the income is transferred to the prevention of ludomania and support for sports or cultural projects.
3. Examples of tax burden in popular jurisdictions
UKGC (UK) - 21% gross income tax + annual licence fee.
MGA (Malta) - fixed licensing fee + 5% tax on income from players in the EU.
Curaçao - fixed annual payment (approximately 20-25 thousand USD) + minimum taxes.
Sweden (Spelinspektionen) - 18% tax from GGR.
Australia (state licenses) - rates range from 15% to 35% of GGR.
4. How taxes relate to player safety
Finance the work of regulators who conduct inspections and audits.
Support government programs to protect against ludomania.
Provide mechanisms for returning funds to players in the event of a casino bankruptcy (in some jurisdictions).
5. Differentiating from unlicensed casinos
Illegal operators do not pay taxes, which reduces their costs, but deprives players of legal protection.
Lack of contributions is a sign of work outside the jurisdiction and lack of real control.
6. Result
The license obliges casinos to pay taxes and fees that are part of the overall regulatory system. These contributions are not just a formality, but a tool for financing the control of the integrity of games, the security of transactions and the protection of the rights of players. Refusal to pay them is incompatible with the legal status of the operator.
1. Mandatory taxes for licensed casinos
In jurisdictions with a regulated market (Great Britain, Malta, Gibraltar, Sweden, Australia), the tax burden is spelled out in the legislation.
Evasion of taxes or contributions - the basis for the suspension or revocation of the license.
The amount and type of taxes depend on the format of the license, the turnover and the geography of the customers.
2. Types of taxes and fees
1. Registration fee - paid upon obtaining a license.
2. Annual License Fee - a fixed or negotiable amount required to renew a permit.
3. Gross Gaming Revenue Tax (GGR Tax) is the percentage of the difference between the bet amount and the winnings paid.
4. Turnover Tax - a percentage of all accepted rates, regardless of the result.
5. Fees for social programs - part of the income is transferred to the prevention of ludomania and support for sports or cultural projects.
3. Examples of tax burden in popular jurisdictions
UKGC (UK) - 21% gross income tax + annual licence fee.
MGA (Malta) - fixed licensing fee + 5% tax on income from players in the EU.
Curaçao - fixed annual payment (approximately 20-25 thousand USD) + minimum taxes.
Sweden (Spelinspektionen) - 18% tax from GGR.
Australia (state licenses) - rates range from 15% to 35% of GGR.
4. How taxes relate to player safety
Finance the work of regulators who conduct inspections and audits.
Support government programs to protect against ludomania.
Provide mechanisms for returning funds to players in the event of a casino bankruptcy (in some jurisdictions).
5. Differentiating from unlicensed casinos
Illegal operators do not pay taxes, which reduces their costs, but deprives players of legal protection.
Lack of contributions is a sign of work outside the jurisdiction and lack of real control.
6. Result
The license obliges casinos to pay taxes and fees that are part of the overall regulatory system. These contributions are not just a formality, but a tool for financing the control of the integrity of games, the security of transactions and the protection of the rights of players. Refusal to pay them is incompatible with the legal status of the operator.
